Public Holidays in Bahrain 2024
Bahrain observes several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are celebrated with various traditions, ceremonies, and festivities, reflecting the rich heritage of the country. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Bahrain for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Day – December 16, 2024
National Day in Bahrain celebrates the country’s independence from British colonial rule, which was attained on December 16, 1971. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, fireworks, and cultural performances. Bahrainis across the country come together to honor their heritage and commemorate the nation’s sovereignty.
Days off: National Day is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Ashura – November 3, 2024
Ashura is a significant religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide, including those in Bahrain. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Ashura is a day of mourning and reflection, with many Bahrainis participating in processions, religious rituals, and charitable activities.
Days off: Ashura is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Eid al-Fitr – April 20, 2024 (tentative)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion characterized by prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. Muslims in Bahrain gather for special prayers at mosques, exchange greetings and gifts, and share meals with family and friends. The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon.
Days off: Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed for several days, providing time off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Eid al-Adha – August 9, 2024 (tentative)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of livestock, and the distribution of meat to the needy. Muslims in Bahrain gather with family and friends to share in the joyous festivities.
Days off: Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed for several days, providing time off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Hijri New Year – August 29, 2024 (tentative)
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. Muslims in Bahrain engage in special prayers, recitations from the Quran, and acts of charity to mark the occasion.
Days off: Hijri New Year is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – October 14, 2024 (tentative)
Mawlid al-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is observed with prayers, recitations of poetry and hymns praising the Prophet, and charitable acts. Muslims in Bahrain gather in mosques and community centers to honor the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Days off: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It is a day to advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. In Bahrain, Labour Day is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and other events organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Accession Day – December 17, 2024
Accession Day commemorates the accession of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the throne of Bahrain on December 17, 1999. It is a day to celebrate the leadership and achievements of the monarch, as well as the stability and progress of the country under his reign. Accession Day is marked by official ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
Days off: Accession Day is a public holiday in Bahrain, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. While it is not a public holiday in Bahrain, it is celebrated by the Christian community with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts.
Days off: Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Bahrain.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Bahrain 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| National Day | December 16 | Celebration of Bahrain’s independence | Nationwide |
| Ashura | November 3 | Commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein | Nationwide |
| Eid al-Fitr | April 20 | Celebration marking the end of Ramadan | Nationwide |
| Eid al-Adha | August 9 | Celebration of the Feast of Sacrifice | Nationwide |
| Hijri New Year | August 29 | Islamic New Year | Nationwide |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | October 14 | Commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ rights | Nationwide |
| Accession Day | December 17 | Commemoration of the accession of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Not applicable |